Rome, November 2 — Five German climbers were killed after being caught in an avalanche while attempting to scale Cima Vertana in the Ortler mountain range of northern Italy, local authorities said on Sunday.
The group, made up of two separate rope teams, was ascending the 3,545-metre peak near the village of Solda on Saturday when a massive wall of snow and ice collapsed, sweeping them down the slope.
Rescuers recovered the bodies of two men and a woman shortly after the avalanche struck. The remaining two victims — a father and his 17-year-old daughter — were found the following morning after an overnight search involving drones, rescue dogs and alpine teams.
Two other climbers, who were part of the same expedition, escaped without injury, officials said.
“The avalanche struck suddenly as they neared the upper part of the route,” a rescue spokesperson said. “The conditions were unstable due to recent temperature fluctuations.”
Cima Vertana, located within the Ortler Alps close to the Swiss border, is a challenging climb frequented by seasoned mountaineers. Local media reported that weather forecasts had warned of mild temperatures and shifting snow layers — factors that can increase avalanche risk.
Authorities said identification procedures were underway and that the victims’ families had been notified through German consular officials.
